Our club is active and engaged! Ready to join or renew?
|
|
Pay by mail
Mail a $15 check, payable to 'Cranberry Genealogy Club', to Debbie Billeter, Cranberry Genealogy Club Treasurer, 27 Sunset Ct., Cranberry Township, PA 16066. Please include your name, email address, phone number(s) and regular mailing address with your mailed payment.
Pay online for $16, using PayPal and your credit card.
Mail a $15 check, payable to 'Cranberry Genealogy Club', to Debbie Billeter, Cranberry Genealogy Club Treasurer, 27 Sunset Ct., Cranberry Township, PA 16066. Please include your name, email address, phone number(s) and regular mailing address with your mailed payment.
Pay online for $16, using PayPal and your credit card.
BONUS PROGRAM!
Register below for the free link
Register below for the free link
Learning About Castle Garden We are offering a bonus presentation in December. Eric Ott, a park ranger with Castle Garden Emigrant Depot in Battery Park New York City, has recorded a 45-minute program. In it, he discusses the history of Castle Garden, the immigrant experiences there, and records of interest for those whose ancestors entered the U.S. in New York City before Ellis Island. We will have a brief discussion and questions after the talk. Note: This is on the third Wednesday of December, not the 4th week.
Please register in advance for this presentation on Zoom, using this link...
Soon after you register with this link, check your email for access to the link for joining the presentation meeting.
Please register in advance for this presentation on Zoom, using this link...
Soon after you register with this link, check your email for access to the link for joining the presentation meeting.
Registration for Zoom Links and Reminders
Our Club uses the free registration feature of Zoom Meetings. Those who choose to register and participate via Zoom will receive automated meeting reminders.
* To register, click on the "Registration Link" for a specific meeting.
* At the Zoom registration page, enter your first and last name, and e-mail address.
* After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the meeting.
* 24 hours before the meeting, you will receive a reminder e-mail resending the Zoom meeting link.
* To register, click on the "Registration Link" for a specific meeting.
* At the Zoom registration page, enter your first and last name, and e-mail address.
* After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the meeting.
* 24 hours before the meeting, you will receive a reminder e-mail resending the Zoom meeting link.
Special Interest Group
Join club members Pat Purifoy and Patty Robison for a learning session focused on hands-on instruction and practice on Family Search Full-Text Search. Learn to use this incredible tool and you will break through your brick walls! Send us an email if you plan to attend, [email protected]
Coming in 2026
Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors 2026 marks the 250-year anniversary of America’s signing of the Declaration of Independence. At the time of America’s independence, the population of the American colonies was about 2.5 million. While 1776 is a pivotal year, the war for independence (the Revolutionary War) was fought from 1775-1783. About 200 thousand Americans served in the Patriots’ cause in some capacity. This presentation will provide a deep dive into discovering and researching your revolutionary ancestors. It will cover the top resources, strategies, websites, libraries, archives, and organizations for learning more about your ancestors at our nation’s founding. Resources and documents available at the National Archives, DAR, SAR, as well as state and local organizations will be included. The presentation will also reveal that many colonists did not support independence and supported the British/Tory cause. It is an exciting time to jump in and learn as much as you can about your revolutionary ancestors! Register now for the Zoom Link...
Our presenter: Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. While providing a list of names, dates and places for ancestors is a start, Scott enjoys helping others discover the stories of triumphs and tribulations that defined our ancestors’ lives. He does this by assisting clients with breaking down their genealogical brick walls and by helping them document the rich stories of their family history. His areas of expertise include research in the American Midwest along with the immigration to the Midwest from Britain, Ireland, and Germanic countries. He also does significant research into Revolutionary War and Civil War records. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree from Northwestern University. With over 30 years of family history research experience, he is familiar with all the latest and time-tested genealogical tools. Through his company Ancestral Past, he welcomes the opportunity to assist others on their genealogy journey. He has presented to dozens of genealogical societies, history centers, and libraries. He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
Our presenter: Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. While providing a list of names, dates and places for ancestors is a start, Scott enjoys helping others discover the stories of triumphs and tribulations that defined our ancestors’ lives. He does this by assisting clients with breaking down their genealogical brick walls and by helping them document the rich stories of their family history. His areas of expertise include research in the American Midwest along with the immigration to the Midwest from Britain, Ireland, and Germanic countries. He also does significant research into Revolutionary War and Civil War records. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree from Northwestern University. With over 30 years of family history research experience, he is familiar with all the latest and time-tested genealogical tools. Through his company Ancestral Past, he welcomes the opportunity to assist others on their genealogy journey. He has presented to dozens of genealogical societies, history centers, and libraries. He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
Teasing Out the Hidden Story: One of the biggest challenges we face when writing family histories is how to turn the bare facts into tales worthy of being read, but our ancestors were real people, not just names, dates and places. We’ll explore four different approaches that can help us to understand them in the context of the time and place in which they lived, and search for unexpected clues in the information we’ve already gathered. By digging deeply into the genealogical details, we can bring our ancestors' stories to life. Register now for the Zoom Link...
Our presenter: Pam Vestal is a professional genealogist and speaker who turned her focus to her longtime love of genealogy after a 20-year writing career. Her articles have appeared in the National Genealogical Society Magazine and The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and her lectures take her from coast to coast. Pam specializes in conducting genealogical research and then transforming that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.
Our presenter: Pam Vestal is a professional genealogist and speaker who turned her focus to her longtime love of genealogy after a 20-year writing career. Her articles have appeared in the National Genealogical Society Magazine and The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and her lectures take her from coast to coast. Pam specializes in conducting genealogical research and then transforming that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.
|
Genea-Break
2nd Wednesday at 7:00 PM. Members Only Join your fellow members using Zoom to learn, ask, and discuss genealogy and to celebrate your research success. This year, we will highlight a genealogical reference/non-fiction book and a website each month with demonstration and insight. Plus, there's always open time for questions and discussion. Members - watch your inbox for the GeneaBreak Zoom link. And, if you want to watch again or missed a session, you may revisit on the Members Only page. If you are not a member, visit our Membership page and join using the Online option, so your e-mail can be added to the members list in a timely manner. |
|
Brick Walls and Bagels
1st Saturday at 8:00 AM. Open to All We call it "Bricks and Bagels" but feel free to grab a donut or muffin! Brainstorm your genealogy challenges with Cranberry Genealogy Club friends! If you don't have any 'brick walls', come and help others solve theirs or talk about your successes. We meet on the first Saturday each month at 8:00 AM at the Cranberry Giant Eagle. There is a Starbucks inside. We meet in the seating area between Starbucks and the beer and wine section. Starbucks has pastries, muffins and breakfast sandwiches, and Giant Eagle has donuts, bagels, etc. in the Bakery section. |
|
Zelienople Public Library, 10:30 AM. Open to All
Just starting to build your family tree? Or, interested in group sharing and problem solving? If you'd like to join the session via Zoom, call the library for the link. 724-452-9330. Registration is not required. Sessions are free and open to the public. |
Cranberry Township FamilySearch Center
Weekly Wednesday Hours: 10am-3pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm
Closed the Wednesday before Christmas and New Year holidays.
Visit the FamilySearch Center for free access to technology and to a menu of library databases with assistance from volunteers at every center. Using FamilySearch.org within the FamilySearch Centers provides exclusive access to certain record collections as well as those that can be accessed from home. In addition to FamilySearch.org, there is also access to worldwide records from these databases: Ancestry, MyHeritage, FindMyPast, Geneanet, American Ancestors, Newspapers.com, and other quality options.
If visiting for the first time, ask a volunteer for a short orientation about using the resources. Then dive into the records and accomplish some research goals! There are easy ways to save records that you discover. You may download the images onto a thumb drive or e-mail the records to yourself. There is also the option to print the record images there at the FamilySearch Center.
Seeing a familiar face might be important to you when you visit the center. Members of the Cranberry Genealogy Club often volunteer there. If you are interested in serving as an occasional volunteer at the Cranberry FamilySearch Center, your help would be welcome! Stop by on a Wednesday and offer your help for future sessions.
Weekly Wednesday Hours: 10am-3pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm
Closed the Wednesday before Christmas and New Year holidays.
Visit the FamilySearch Center for free access to technology and to a menu of library databases with assistance from volunteers at every center. Using FamilySearch.org within the FamilySearch Centers provides exclusive access to certain record collections as well as those that can be accessed from home. In addition to FamilySearch.org, there is also access to worldwide records from these databases: Ancestry, MyHeritage, FindMyPast, Geneanet, American Ancestors, Newspapers.com, and other quality options.
If visiting for the first time, ask a volunteer for a short orientation about using the resources. Then dive into the records and accomplish some research goals! There are easy ways to save records that you discover. You may download the images onto a thumb drive or e-mail the records to yourself. There is also the option to print the record images there at the FamilySearch Center.
Seeing a familiar face might be important to you when you visit the center. Members of the Cranberry Genealogy Club often volunteer there. If you are interested in serving as an occasional volunteer at the Cranberry FamilySearch Center, your help would be welcome! Stop by on a Wednesday and offer your help for future sessions.
|
Cranberry Township FamilySearch Center
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2771 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Township, PA 16066. (intersection of Rochester & Powell Rds.) Questions: E-mail: [email protected] Park in the lot off Powell Road, behind the building. NOTE: There is a new entrance on the west side of the building instead of the old entrance on the southwest end. The center is just up the hallway from the former space. If Seneca Valley Schools are closed on a Wednesday due to weather conditions, the center will be closed. Call during center hours to verify, Ph: 724-742-0922. |
Partners Across the Pond
News from ABC Family History Association
The ABC Family History Association in Northern Ireland is a partner group to CranGenClub, and they have months of programming outlined at the bottom of the home page of their website, at https://www.abcfha.com/.
To become an individual member of the ABC FHA, consider the options on the “Membership” web page, found online at
https://www.abcfha.com/membership. Fill out the membership form to email. A nice option is the Online Membership, which offers a reduced annual rate from the Full Membership. A major benefit of having your own membership to ABC FHA is access to all programming, including recordings. Upcoming virtual programs available to any interested genealogists:
ABC FHA’s Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/ABCFamilyHistory
The ABC Family History Association in Northern Ireland is a partner group to CranGenClub, and they have months of programming outlined at the bottom of the home page of their website, at https://www.abcfha.com/.
To become an individual member of the ABC FHA, consider the options on the “Membership” web page, found online at
https://www.abcfha.com/membership. Fill out the membership form to email. A nice option is the Online Membership, which offers a reduced annual rate from the Full Membership. A major benefit of having your own membership to ABC FHA is access to all programming, including recordings. Upcoming virtual programs available to any interested genealogists:
ABC FHA’s Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/ABCFamilyHistory
Local Genealogy Groups
North Hills Genealogists
Visit their website for details... They also have a Facebook page
Beaver County Genealogy & History Center
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Visit the Beaver County Genealogy and History Center website for open hours and program details or call the Center at 724-775-1775.
Butler County Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
Meetings are open to the public, and pre-registration is required when meetings take place on Zoom. For the latest information refer to their Facebook page and join the group. Search for Butler County Genealogy Society of Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
Check the WPGS website for coming events and programs.
Visit their website for details... They also have a Facebook page
Beaver County Genealogy & History Center
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Visit the Beaver County Genealogy and History Center website for open hours and program details or call the Center at 724-775-1775.
Butler County Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
Meetings are open to the public, and pre-registration is required when meetings take place on Zoom. For the latest information refer to their Facebook page and join the group. Search for Butler County Genealogy Society of Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
Check the WPGS website for coming events and programs.
About Us
We bring together people who share a passion for genealogy and family history, creating a welcoming space to learn, discover, and preserve stories of the past. Through dynamic programs, hands-on learning, and shared resources, we help members and guests uncover and understand their roots—one branch at a time.
Based in Cranberry Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, we gather monthly via Zoom, and we also host special events throughout the year. Our meetings are free and open to everyone, but membership is encouraged. Annual dues make it possible for us to bring in expert speakers, host engaging programs, and keep this website thriving for the benefit of our community of researchers.
Based in Cranberry Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, we gather monthly via Zoom, and we also host special events throughout the year. Our meetings are free and open to everyone, but membership is encouraged. Annual dues make it possible for us to bring in expert speakers, host engaging programs, and keep this website thriving for the benefit of our community of researchers.
Our annual dues allow us to obtain speakers and support this website, among other activities. Review our 2024 Annual Report.
2026 Annual Dues are $15 ($16 if paid online).
President and Newsletter Editor: Susan Ennis
Secretaries: John Francis, Rita Romig
Outreach: Rita Romig
Programs: Judi Boren, Patricia Robison
Membership: Pat Purifoy
Treasurer: Debbie Billeter
2026 Annual Dues are $15 ($16 if paid online).
President and Newsletter Editor: Susan Ennis
Secretaries: John Francis, Rita Romig
Outreach: Rita Romig
Programs: Judi Boren, Patricia Robison
Membership: Pat Purifoy
Treasurer: Debbie Billeter
Contact Us
If you have questions, or would like more information, Click here to e-mail us. Or copy [email protected] into your e-mail "To:" field. Feedback on this website is welcome! Please let us know how we can improve this site. We try to post a lot of information on the main page, so nobody misses an announcement due to a missed mouse click.
Last updated 06 December 2025
If you have questions, or would like more information, Click here to e-mail us. Or copy [email protected] into your e-mail "To:" field. Feedback on this website is welcome! Please let us know how we can improve this site. We try to post a lot of information on the main page, so nobody misses an announcement due to a missed mouse click.
Last updated 06 December 2025
